Freelance Technical Designer - Accessories & Hardware
About The Position
TekWissen is recruiting a Freelance Technical Designer for Accessories & Hardware for a three-month temporary assignment with a global intimates specialty retailer. The role is based in Manhattan, New York, and is hybrid. The position focuses on technical development across soft and hard accessories, including bags, jewelry, footwear, hair accessories, socks, scarves, and hats. The designer will collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, Sourcing, and vendor partners to turn creative concepts into production-ready technical specification packages and, at times, 3D CAD models. In partnership with management, the designer will help define construction, fit, tolerances, hardware specifications, and quality standards while supporting brand consistency and product quality across accessory categories.
Requirements
- Degree in Industrial Design, Accessories Design, Fashion/Apparel Design, or equivalent work experience.
- 0–2 years of industry experience in technical design focused on accessories such as bags, jewelry, footwear, hair accessories, hats, scarves, or socks.
- Understanding of hard- and soft-accessory construction, patternmaking, mold and hardware development, metals and plating, plastics, textiles, and manufacturing machinery.
- Strong organizational skills and creative problem-solving ability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with global supply partners.
Nice To Haves
- Industrial Design background.
- Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Rhino, Matrix, or similar CAD software.
- Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Hands-on experience with PLM/PDM product-management databases.
Responsibilities
- Create accurate 3D CAD models, photorealistic concept renderings, and technical turnarounds for hard accessories, jewelry, bag hardware, and trims, when using relevant tools.
- Develop comprehensive Tech Packs with specification sheets, bills of materials, exploded views, hardware callouts, and dimensional tolerances.
- Connect soft-goods technical design with hard-goods industrial engineering, evaluating function, ergonomics, aesthetics, and durability.
- Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality Assurance, and Raw Materials partners.
- Work with the Senior Design lead, Design Director, and overseas vendors and factories to resolve construction and manufacturing challenges.
- Evaluate prototype samples against design intent, participate in fitting and review sessions, and provide clear technical feedback through digital images, CAD updates, and detailed comments.
- Help establish fit, sizing, material, and quality standards to support product performance and consistency across categories.
- Analyze wear-test and quality-assurance results and recommend structural, functional, and fit improvements.
- Identify production, costing, and manufacturing risks early and propose technical solutions.
- Track seasonal workflows and ensure development milestones and calendar deadlines are met.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
